✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
If you want polished volume with a soft bend—fast, the Drybar Double Shot delivers. Its 2.4″ ceramic oval barrel, long dense bristles, and 1170 W motor create reliable root lift and smooth ends without extreme heat.
The trade-off: no ion generator or attachments and no digital heat controls, so it’s less customizable than newer premium models.
✅ Best for: Fine–medium (and some medium-thick) hair seeking quick root lift & smooth polish
❌ Skip if: You have very coarse/ultra-thick hair that needs higher heat/airflow or modular heads
👉 Want more options? See our Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 guide.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
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Drybar The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush – Smooth, Shiny Hair with Volume and Less Frizz –... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Dense, long bristles grip textured hair easily
- 2.4″ barrel creates soft volume and root lift
- Balanced low (180°F) and high (210°F) heat settings
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- 1170W motor offers faster drying than most hot air brushes
👎 What We Don’t Like
- No ion generator (only ionic ceramic coating)
- No attachments or interchangeable heads
- Lacks digital controls or heat lock
- Not dual voltage
🔍 Key Specs: Drybar The Double Shot at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | $155 |
| Model | 900-2225-4 |
| Attachments | None |
| Heat Settings | High / Low / Cool |
| Wattage | 1170W |
| Weight | 15.5 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Voltage | 125V (single) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the Drybar Double Shot
Perfect for:
- ✅ Users who want volume with a polished finish
- ✅ Fine to medium-thick hair needing root lift
- ✅ Stretching and smoothing textured hair with control
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
- ❌ Coarse or very long hair (may lack enough grip or power)
- ❌ Travel needs (single voltage only)
- ❌ Preference for digital or customizable controls
✨ Design & Build
The Double Shot features a mid-sized 2.4″ oval ceramic barrel — ideal for creating root lift while still delivering soft, voluminous ends. Its 3.9″ brush section is one of the longest in the category, offering ample surface area to work through medium to long hair efficiently without feeling bulky.
The real standout is the bristle design: 1.1 cm tufted rows paired with 1.7 cm nylon pins. These are among the longest and densest we’ve measured, providing excellent grip and tension on textured or thick strands. This design helps stretch and smooth the hair with fewer passes, making it especially effective for adding shape, reducing frizz, detangling, and achieving a polished finish.
The tool’s signature matte yellow finish isn’t just iconic — it also provides a slightly textured feel that improves grip during styling. The overall build feels sturdy yet not overly heavy in the hand.
It does not include detachable heads or a removable filter, meaning maintenance requires a bit more care, and it isn’t as travel-friendly as some modular designs.
👉 If you’d rather have a paddle brush for faster smoothing in fewer passes, see the Drybar Smooth Shot review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Double Shot uses an ionic ceramic coating (but no dedicated ion generator) to help reduce frizz. Ceramic surfaces are known for even heat distribution, which minimizes hot spots and protects delicate strands.
It offers three temperature settings: cool, low (~180°F), and high (~210°F). The low setting is gentle enough for fine or color-treated hair, while the high setting delivers enough tension and heat to smooth medium-thick hair types without overexposing them to extreme heat.
In testing, the low heat reached 180°F, which is considered safe for fragile strands, while the high heat peaked at 210°F, a level that works for most hair types without pushing into damaging territory. This aligns with research showing that repeated exposure to excessive heat weakens hair fibers over time.
The handle temperature remained ~90°F, making it comfortable to hold during extended sessions.
👉 If you prefer smarter digital controls and gentler heat, check the T3 AireBrush Duo review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 13.75 inches long, the tool offers enough reach for back-of-head styling without feeling unwieldy. The 1.55″ handle diameter provides a slim yet sturdy grip, making it easy to maneuver for most users.
The 9-ft swivel cord — longer than the 7.6 ft average — provides excellent mobility, while the tool’s 15.5 oz weight keeps it light enough for daily use without feeling flimsy. The dial switch is simple to operate, though the lack of a removable filter means upkeep requires extra care.
Noise output measured 91 dBA, which is quieter than most hot air brushes and falls within the CDC’s safe exposure limits for everyday noise. This makes it more comfortable for daily styling in shared spaces.
👉 If you need a more compact, travel-ready option, the Revlon One-Step PLUS review is worth a look.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Tested between 180–210 °F; solid, even ceramic heat output but lacks precision temperature control. |
| Ease of Use & Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Ergonomic 1.55 in handle and balanced 15.5 oz weight keep the tool stable even during long blowouts. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | High-efficiency 1170 W motor and wide 3.9 in brush section move air fast, drying shoulder-length hair in ~7 min. |
| Frizz & Finish Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ceramic + ionic coating reduces static moderately well, though no built-in ion generator. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Three heat settings (high / low / cool) suit most hair types; 2.4 in oval barrel limits precision for bangs or very short hair. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Handle measured 90 °F after 10 min — excellent insulation; cool tip keeps fingers safe. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 9 ft swivel cord adds reach and flexibility; single-voltage (125 V) design limits global travel. |
💡 BeautiLAB Lab Highlights
- Max Temp Tested: 210 °F
- Handle Temp: 90 °F (comfortable grip)
- Noise Level: 91 dBA (below category avg ≈ 92 dBA)
- Wattage: 1170 W | Voltage: 125 V (single)
- Length: 13.75 in | Weight: 15.5 oz | Handle Width: 1.55 in
- Cord: 9 ft swivel | Barrel Material: Ceramic
- Barrel Shape: Oval 2.4 in | Brush Section Length: 3.9 in
- Bristle Length: 1.1 cm / 1.7 cm
- Built-in Ion Generator: No | Ionic Coating: Yes | ALCI Plug: Yes
- Detachable Filter/Base: No | Warranty: 2 Years
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | Drybar Double Shot | Drybar Smooth Shot | T3 AireBrush Duo | Revlon One-Step PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Shape & Size | 2.4″ Oval | 2.2″ Paddle | 1.7″ Round / 2.2″ Paddle | 2.4″ Oval |
| Heat Range (°F) | 180–210 | 210–250 | 130–200 | 185–225 |
| Weight | 15.5 oz | 15 oz | 17 oz | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft | 9 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft |
| Best For | Smooth blowouts with volume and polish | Coarse, frizz-prone strands needing paddle tension | Versatility, smart heat + ion generator | Affordable, detachable design for shorter/medium hair |
Read more: Drybar Double Shot vs. Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS Comparison
💛 Other Drybar Models: How the Double Shot Compares
Drybar offers several hot air brush models — each tailored to different needs:
- Drybar The Smooth Shot: Paddle-style design ideal for straight, sleek styles. Offers higher heat (~250°F) and the longest barrel (4.5″) but has fewer bristles and less grip.
- Drybar The Half Shot: A smaller 2″ oval version of the Double Shot — better for short hair, layers, or fringe detailing.
- Drybar The Single Shot: Round-barrel version designed for creating curls and waves, not just smoothing.
The Double Shot stands out for its firmest bristles and ideal barrel size for volume and smoothness in one step. It’s the most balanced pick for medium to long hair.
👉 Want to compare them all? See our full guide: Double Shot Vs. Single Shot Vs. Half Shot Blow-Dryer Brushes comparison.
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
- Delivers soft volume and slight curl at the ends
- Glides easily through hair without pulling or snagging
- Highly praised for drying speed and control compared to cheaper tools
User Quotes:
“Finally, a volumizer that doesn’t fry my hair.” – Jamie K.
“Way better grip than Revlon. Feels more controlled.” – Melissa D.
“Light enough to use every day. Love the shape.” – Natalie F.
💬 FAQ: Drybar Double Shot
Q: Is it good for fine hair?
A: Yes, especially with the 180°F low setting and ionic coating.
Q: Can it create curls?
A: It can create a soft bend or under-curl, but not tight curls.
Q: Dual voltage?
A: No — single voltage only (125V).
Q: How’s the grip?
A: Excellent — dense bristles offer great tension, especially on textured hair.
Q: Easy to hold?
A: Yes, lightweight and well-balanced with a slim handle.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Drybar Double Shot nails the everyday blowout: quick root lift, smooth ends, and controlled tension without harsh heat. Its long, dense bristles outperform cheaper rivals for grip and glide, while the 2.4″ oval strikes a sweet spot between volume and polish. You give up digital controls, attachments, and an ion generator, but the core experience is fast, consistent, and flattering across fine to medium-thick hair.
If you value speed, shine, and dependable volume over bells and whistles, the Double Shot remains one of the most balanced oval brushes in its class.
